Joseph City Council passes ordinance banning chain stores
By Joe Hathaway on Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
JOSEPH — In a move to protect local businesses and preserve the town’s unique character, the Joseph City Council has passed an ordinance banning “formula” businesses from operating within city limits.
The decision was made during a recent open council session, following an amendment to the meeting agenda by the Mayor.
Ordinance 2024-02 amends section 3 of the Joseph Zoning Code, effectively prohibiting businesses that are required by contractual agreements to adhere to prescribed standards and features. These include specific exterior color schemes, signs, and architectural designs commonly associated with chain stores and franchises.
City Administrator Dan Larman explained the rationale behind the ordinance, emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses. “Joseph’s economy is based on a lot of locally owned small businesses,” Larman said. “The council determined that it was best for our citizens to ensure that money spent in town stays in town and circulates within the local economy.”
Larman further highlighted the economic principle that locally spent money tends to be re-spent within the community, providing a more substantial economic benefit than money spent at chain stores, which often goes to corporate headquarters outside the area.
The ordinance is seen as a measure to maintain the town’s distinctive character and support its economic health. Joseph already has several ordinances in place regarding land use, transportation, and the aesthetic requirements for storefronts within the Citywide Arts and Cultural District. Larman says this new regulation serves as an additional safeguard to ensure that these existing ordinances are upheld.
“This ordinance is just a safety net to make sure that the rest of the ordinances are followed,” Larman added.
